Teacher Swept Away By Floodwaters In Makueni County

Another Victim of El Niño Rains

David Mwina, a teacher at Muua Primary School in Makueni County, was swept away by floodwaters at River Muua on Sunday, November 27, according to Mukaa Sub-county Police Commander Barnabas Ngeno.

Mr. Mwina was reportedly crossing towards home, from Mang’ala shopping centre to Kwa Mbeu village when he drowned. His body was found on the shores of the river and taken to Sultan Hamud sub-county hospital mortuary.

Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu, a colleague of Mr. Mwina in the National Assembly, has condoled the family.

“My sincere condolences to the Nzambia family and Kilome people. May you find God’s favour during this hard time,” he said.

This comes days after another swollen river claimed the lives of eight people who were attempting to cross the swollen Muooni River in Makueni County.

The victims are reported to be attendees returning from the 14th anniversary celebration of the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

Makueni Governor Urges National Government to Declare El Niño a National Disaster

On Saturday November 25, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo junior urged the national government to intervene.

“The cabinet should now declare El Niño a National disaster and mechanisms be put in place to mitigate the effects. The framework we had proposed in the Senate in 2019 should also be considered by Parliament. We can longer continue denying the obvious,” he said.

President Ruto Chairs Special Cabinet Meeting on El Nino

On November 27, 2023, President William Ruto chaired a special Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi, to address the ongoing El Niño situation and its impact on Kenya.

The meeting was convened in response to the heavy rains and flooding that have caused significant challenges in various parts of the country, with over 70 lives lost and over 36,000 households displaced.

President Ruto expressed concern about the situation and emphasized the need for both short and long-term measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño.

The Cabinet resolved to:

• Intensify the ongoing distribution of relief food and non-food items to affected communities.
• Mobilize resources to support the relocation of affected families to safer areas.
• Work with relevant agencies to desilt clogged drainage systems and waterways.
• Enhance public awareness on the dangers of El Niño and safety measures to be taken during heavy rains.

The Cabinet also directed the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to develop a comprehensive plan to address the long-term effects of climate change.